MAT requests USDA to include forest industry in harvest fuel relief program

Washington, DC — October 29, 2026 — Michigan Association of Timbermen joins Forest Resources Association and nearly 50 other forest industry associations to request diesel relief

President Trump recently announced $8 billion in cash assistance for farmers to help them offset high diesel prices during the harvest season. The forest industry needs to be included.

The Michigan Association of Timbermen has signed onto a national coalition letter urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture to establish a diesel fuel relief program for timber harvesters and log haulers.

The federal government recently announced an $8 billion Harvest Fuel Relief Program to help agricultural producers manage rising fuel costs. However, logging contractors and log-hauling businesses have not yet been included in the program, despite facing many of the same economic pressures.

The coalition letter asks USDA to establish a dedicated diesel fuel relief program similar to what was just approved for farmers.  We need your help to make sure our industry is heard in Washington.

We encourage all Michigan Timbermen members to contact their U.S. Representative and both U.S. Senators and urge them to support federal diesel fuel assistance for loggers and log haulers. Let them know how rising fuel costs are affecting your business, your ability to haul wood, and your ability to serve Michigan's mills and forest products industry.

When contacting your elected officials, ask them to:

• Support the creation of a federal diesel fuel relief program for timber harvesters and log haulers, and refer them to this newly approved cash assistance program for farmers.

• Recognize loggers and log haulers as essential partners in the nation's forest products supply chain who deserve consideration for fuel-related economic relief.

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Your personal experience matters. Sharing real examples of how diesel prices are affecting your business can help lawmakers understand the urgency of this issue.

Thank you for your continued support of the Michigan Association of Timbermen and for everything

you do to keep Michigan's forest products industry moving.

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Media Contacts:

Michigan Association of Timbermen (906) 293-3236 - Justin Knepper